Firefighters took down a structure fire at a two-storey home in Columere Park near Fairmont Hot Springs.
Regional District of East Kootenay officials said firefighters were dispatched just before 10 a.m. on Monday after a neighbour saw smoke and called 9-1-1.
“We responded immediately and, with the help of the aerial truck, have worked hard to keep the fire confined to the one structure,” said Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Service Chief Drew Sinclair.
RDEK officials said 16 firefighters from the Fairmont and Windermere Fire Departments responded with five pieces of apparatus.
RCMP, Emergency Health Service and BC Hydro were also on the scene, with Emergency Support Services helping out.
RDEK officials said the homeowners were not home at the time of the fire, but were notified and returned to the property.
Against the direction of on-site firefighters, one of the homeowners entered the building.
“Immediately we had to halt our firefighting actions and firefighters had to enter the burning structure to search for and retrieve the homeowner,” said Sinclair. “While it is extremely distressing to see your home or property on fire, it is critical that people stay out of burning buildings and adhere to the instructions of the emergency responders. No piece of personal property is worth your safety, or worse, your life.”
Firefighters remained on the scene to ensure any hot spots were fully cooled.
RDEK officials said the building sustained significant damage and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Officials do not suspect the fire to be suspicious in nature.
“Residents in the area are asked to stay back from the scene to avoid traffic congestion and allow firefighters and emergency services personnel to complete their work,” said RDEK officials.